Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. and St’át’imc Eco-Resources Ltd. Announce Letter of Intent
P.O Box 103, #115 - 10 Scotchman Rd, Lillooet B.C V0K 1V0
PH: 250-256-0425
NYSE - MKT: ASM
TSX-V: ASM
May 1, 2017 FSE: GV6
Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. and St’át’imc Eco-Resources Ltd. Announce Letter of Intent
Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (ASM: TSX -V, ASM: NYSE–MKT, GV6: FSE, “Avino” or “the Company”)
and St’át’imc Eco-Resources Ltd. (“SER”) are pleased to announce the signing of a non-binding Letter of
Intent (“LOI”) to recognize the opportunity for collaboration and the establishment of joint ventures to
allow the St’át’imc First Nations (the “ St’át’imc”) to economically participate in the development and
ongoing operations of t he Bralorne Gold Mine project. St’át’imc Eco -Resources Ltd. is owned and
operated by members of the St’át’imc.
Both parties recognize the potential for mutually beneficial collaboration to enhance business and social
relations, and create employment and economic opportunities for the St’át’imc, and this LOI is
considered a first step towards those goals. Discussions going forw ard will be to share information with
the goal of developing collaborative, mutually agreeable solutions that take into consideration mutual
economic or financial benefit, timing, risks, continuity, environmental stewardship, and cultural
protection.
“We are excited to have reached a stage in our relationship with the St’át’imc Nation where discussions
of this nature are able to proceed. Since acquiring the Bralorne project in 2014, we have prioritized the
establishment of a strong, trust -based, mutually beneficial relationship with the St’át’imc, and feel that
the signing of this LOI is a significant milestone in this regard. Through the establishment of this
milestone, we see a tremendous opportunity for both parties to benefit economically, the communitie s
around the mine to thrive once again, as well as the ability, through close communication, to present
our mutual interests as a united front to the provincial ministries who issue our permits.”
- David Wolfin, President & CEO, Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd.
“St’át’imc Eco-Resources (SER) is pleased to have a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed with Avino Mines. SER
views this as an important first step towards establishing an on -going working relationship with a
proponent such as Avino Mines that operates within our territo ry. Over the past couple of years, Avino
Mines has demonstrated a commitment to building a mutually beneficial relationship by hosting
AVINO SILVER &
GOLD MINES LTD.
T 604.682.3701 Suite 900, 570 Granville Street [email protected]
F 604.682.3600 Vancouver, BC V6C 3P1 www.avino.com
successful training programs for community members. SER looks forward to the next steps in
participating economically in this important venture with Avino Mines.”
- Rodney Louie, General Manager, St’át’imc Eco-Resources Ltd.
Desired Outcomes
The desired outcome of the LOI is to develop and maintain profitable businesses opportunities with the
St’át’imc that will support t he Bralorne mining operations, allow Avino to focus on activities directly
related to mining, and allow St’át’imc communities to participate economically in the Bralorne mining
operation through service and supply agreements, and create employment opportun ities for St’át’imc
members.
The LOI is intended to create a consensus, recognizing both parties shared desire for discussions to
progress relating to the specific initiatives outlined below:
Explore options with SER for ownership/operation or joint owners hip/operation of a mining
camp and or other housing solutions to provide room and board to Bralorne Mine workers, and
other workers as may be required on a for profit basis for SER at competitive market rates.
Explore the options with SER for ownership/ope ration or joint ownership/operation of an assay
lab to support the Bralorne Mine and other business purposes, on a for profit basis for SER at
competitive market rates.
Explore opportunities to develop other independent contractor services or supply agreem ents
between the St’át’imc and Avino for the purchase of required services and supplies for the
Bralorne mining operation.
Explore opportunities to collaborate for the rejuvenation of the local Bralorne community.
Any other mutually beneficial opportunitie s that may come about as the result of ongoing
discussions.
2017 Underground Mining Program Graduation Video
Click here or on the link below to view a video from the 2017 Underground Mining Training program
graduation ceremony. The program was a collaborative undertaking between Avino, St’át’imc
Government Services, North Island College, Sandvik and the provincial and federal governments.
https://vimeo.com/213378917
About Avino
Avino is a silver and gold producer with a diversified pipeline of gold, silver and base metals properties in
Mexico and Canada employing approximately 500 people. Avino produces from its wholly owned Avino
and San Gonzalo Mines near Durango, Mexico, and is currently planning for future production at the
Bralorne Gold Mine in British Columbia, Canada. The Company’s gold and silver productio n remains
unhedged. The Company’s mission and strategy is to create shareholder value through its focus on
profitable organic growth at the historic Avino Property near Durango, Mexico, and the strategic
acquisition of mineral exploration and mining proper ties. We are committed to managing all business
activities in an environmentally responsible and cost -effective manner, while contributing to the well -
being of the communities in which we operate.
About St’át’imc Eco-Resources Ltd.
St’át’imc Eco-Resources Ltd. (SER) is the economic arm of the St’át’imc. SER has 9 of the 11 St’át’imc
Communities as Shareholders, and was Incorporated in 2012. In the first years of operation, SER has
managed several environmental monitoring projects within the region. SER is exploring sustainable
economic opportunities, and is seeking and establishing partnerships that will provide economic
benefits. Based on the SER strategic plan and Vision, opportunities for education and training, capacity
building, procurement, and social investment are of paramount importance. Watch for the SER website
to be launched in May, 2017. For further information, please contact: Rod Louie, General Manager at
[email protected] or phone (250)256-0425 Ext.240.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Ven ture
Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.